The Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Llandaff and is the seat of the Bishop of Llandaf.
This is one of the oldest Christian sites in Britain.
In the sixth century St Dyfrig founded a community close to the ford where the Roman road crossed the river Taff.
Nothing remains of the original church but a Celtic Cross that stood nearby can still be seen near the door of the Chapter House.
The present cathedral dates from 1107 when Bishop Urban, the first Bishop appointed by the Normans, instigated the building of a much larger church.
Later in the 13th century the Chapter House was built and also before the century ended the Lady Chapel which has largely escaped the damage and decay that the cathedral sustained over the following 700 years.
Until the time of King Henry VIII, Jasper Tudor’s kinsman, pilgrims thronged to the shrine of St Teilo whose tomb still stands in the sanctuary, and their gifts supported the church. When pilgrims were forbidden and other revenues taken away it was no longer possible to maintain the building adequately and over the next 200 years it fell into a state of near-ruin.
In 1734 restoration began in the popular style of the day. And a hundred years later, new life and growing prosperity in the Diocese made possible a fresh restoration. The South West tower and spire were completed in 1869, replacing the early-12th century tower which collapsed in 1722.
Much of the 19th century work inside the Cathedral by WWII bombing.
Sir Jacob Epstein’s aluminium statue of Christ in Majesty was put in place as part of the post-war reconstruction.
When you visit, don’t miss Rossetti’s triptych of the Seed of David. It’s in the St Illtyd Chapel at the foot of the North West tower.
The new organ has a fabulous sound. Try to go along to one of the June Festival performances or – in the winter – to hear a carol service at this grand Cathedral.
The Cathedral is open to visitors daily:
Open Close
Sunday 7am 6.30pm
Monday 9am 6.30pm
Tuesday 9am 7pm
Wednesday 9am 7pm
Thursday 9am 7pm
Friday 9am 6.30pm
Saturday 9am 7pm
These times will vary for principal Festivals.
Closing times relate to term time only.
See the Music Scheme for details of services
Info from the Cathedral website.
Guided tours are available by arrangement
Please contact the Administration Office (10:00am – 1.00pm Monday – Friday)
Tel: 029 2056 4554 – Fax: 029 2056 3897
email: office@llandaffcathedral.org.uk
Photo by Susan Williams.
